Rail Attacks Targeted To Block Main Routes To Paris, Says French Prime Minister

Paris: Hours ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris, France Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on Friday said that rail attacks ‘targeted’ three main routes to Paris with an aim to 'block the high-speed train network'.

The TGV high-speed rail network was disrupted on lines to the country's west, north and east, with service being cut off on some sections, causing delays.

Sports, Transport Ministers Condemn Rail Attacks

"Coordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend. I strongly condemn these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people. A big thank you to the #SNCF teams, on the bridge to restore traffic conditions as quickly as possible.," the country's Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said on X. 

The country's Sports Minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, condemned the attacks and was quoted by BFM TV, a French news channel, as saying, "Opposing the Games is opposing France, your team, and your country."

She mentioned that the impact on travelers, Olympic athletes, and the general public was being evaluated, while also assuring that transportation for all delegations to the competition sites would proceed smoothly.

The rail operator SNCF mentioned that train traffic on the Atlantic, North and East area had been disrupted.

This situation should nevertheless "last at least the whole weekend, while the repairs are carried out" the operator said in a statement.

The opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics is set for Friday. Instead of a traditional march into a stadium, about 6,800 athletes will parade on more than 90 boats on the Seine River for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).